Mr. Jack Arnold Merlin Sr.'s Obituary
Jack Arnold Merlin, Sr, age 86, of Goodlettsville, Tennessee passed away on Wednesday, July 31, 2019 at his home. Jack was born on January 1, 1933 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to the late Benson Smerlinski and Florence Ruth Bilicki.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Florence Ruth Smerlinski; father Benson Smerlinski; sisters Grace Jefferies, Joan Deveraux, Geri Rech and Jeanie Andrews; granddaughter Rebecca Merlin.
He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Kathy Merlin; children Daniel (Sandy) Merlin, Debra King, David (Tressa) Merlin, DixieLee (David) Maxwell, and Jack (Brooke) Merlin, Jr; 15 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Jack left Wisconsin in 1961, where he worked as a mechanic with Evinrude Motors. Along with his wife and children he moved to Nashville, Tennessee to pursue a music career. While living in Nashville, Jack worked as a mechanic to assist in reaching his dream of becoming a musician. Jack had many occupations in the music industry including working as a recording artist, a song writer, and a record producer. He also owned his own record label, COR Records, during which he was featured on several other record labels. In 1964 Jack began his career in law enforcement where he became a Sergeant with Metro Police Department, Nashville. While working with Metro, Jack formed a police rock band - The "Bluelites." The "Bluelites" visited schools and community events in the 1960s and 1970s and continued to perform together for 18 years. In 1990 Jack retired from Metro Police Department after serving for 26 years. He was a member at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Madison, Tennessee. Jack studied theology and was also a firm believer in his Savior, Jesus Christ. His family is at peace knowing he is resting in our Savior's arms.
Visitation will take place on Sunday, August 4, 2019 from 1 PM until 4 PM at Spring Hill Funeral Home in Nashville. A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will follow at 4 PM officiated by Dr. Richard Schriver and Pastor Willie Acevedo. Burial will take place on Monday, August 5 at 9 AM at the Historic Spring Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jack Merlin, Jr, Brian Merlin, Micah Brewer, Sr, Micah Brewer Jr, Ronnie Savage, David Maxwell, Sr, David Maxwell, Jr, and Daniel Merlin, Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be Tommy Bilicki, Charlie Mosley, and Joe Casey.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made in Jack’s name to the charity of one’s choosing.
Arrangements entrusted to Spring Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery, 5110 Gallatin Road, Nashville, TN 37216.
What’s your fondest memory of Jack?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jack?
Share a story where Jack's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jack you’ll never forget.
How did Jack make you smile?
